GoWest Member Credit Unions Shine as Luminaries Awards Finalists

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on September 22, 2026

Fourteen GoWest member credit unions have been named finalists for the Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards, earning recognition for programs and leaders making extraordinary contributions to the Credit Union Movement.

The Luminaries Awards celebrate the changemakers elevating the Movement and recognize individuals and organizations that are championing innovation, advancing financial well-being, and making a lasting impact on members, communities, and the industry.

GoWest member credit unions were recognized as finalists across a range of categories, including branch experience, community impact, marketing, executive leadership, technology innovation, and rising talent.

Congratulations to the GoWest member credit unions named finalists:

Branch Experience — $1 Billion to $4 Billion

• Solarity Credit Union

Community Impact — $1 Billion & Below

• Verity Credit Union
• Canopy Credit Union

Community Impact — $1 Billion to $4 Billion

• Unitus Community Credit Union

Community Impact — $4 Billion & Higher

• First Tech Federal Credit Union
• BECU

Excellence in Marketing — $1 Billion & Below

• Mid Oregon Credit Union

Excellence in Marketing — $1 Billion to $4 Billion

• Hughes Federal Credit Union
• Tucson Federal Credit Union

Executive Leadership — President/CEO — $1 Billion & Below

• Matthew Gaspari, Tucson Federal Credit Union
• Tonita Webb, Verity Credit Union

Executive Leadership — President/CEO — $1 Billion to $4 Billion

• Steven Stapp, Unitus Community Credit Union

Executive Leadership — President/CEO — $4 Billion & Higher

• Beverly Anderson, BECU

Executive Leadership — C-Suite — $1 Billion to $4 Billion

• Jason Paprocki, Arizona Financial Credit Union

Executive Leadership — C-Suite — $4 Billion & Higher

• Jamie Harrison, Meritrust Credit Union

Innovation in Technology — Advances in AI

• Kitsap Credit Union

Innovation in Technology — Technology Project/Rollout

• Desert Financial Credit Union
• Kitsap Credit Union
• WECU

Rising Star — $1 Billion & Below

• Tierra Bonds, Verity Credit Union
• Kurtis Kelly, Canopy Credit Union

“We are honored to be recognized by the Credit Union Times in both Marketing and Executive Leadership,” said Matthew Gaspari, President and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and their commitment to delivering exceptional service, strengthening our community, and helping our members achieve their financial goals through innovative member and commercial lending solutions.”

The category winners will be announced and honored live on stage at the Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards dinner and gala on Nov. 5 in Orlando, Fla.

Posted in Arizona, Colorado, Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Washington.